According to Berta Cabral, who participated in the opening session of the DRV 2026 Annual Conference, the annual meeting of the German Association of Travel Agencies, on 17 April, at the Teatro Micaelense, in Ponta Delgada, on the island of São Miguel, in 2025 there was a 12% growth in overnight stays by German tourists, being "the highest among the ten main source markets in the region".

Main source market

The government official, quoted in a press release from the Regional Government, highlighted that, last year, Germany "assumed the leadership as the main foreign source market for the Azores, once again surpassing the United States of America".

A result that, according to Berta Cabral, “proves the solidity” of the Azores' connection to the German market and reflects “a consistent path of promotion, trust and excellence”.

“Germany understands the Azores, even without speaking our language. And the Azores are, in many respects, a destination perfectly aligned with what the German tourist values,” she said.

Nature tourism

According to Berta Cabral, the strong focus on nature tourism (unique trails, impactful landscapes, exceptional biodiversity, ocean, sustainability and authenticity) “fully corresponds to the motivations of the German visitor”.

“We are talking about an audience that values ​​quality, environmental responsibility, active holidays and genuine cultural experiences. And this is part of the DNA of the Azores,” she said.

Berta Cabral also highlighted that holding the annual meeting of the German Association of Travel Agencies in the Azores is “a clear sign of the international prestige of the destination and the confidence that the German tourism sector places in the region”.

“The choice of the Azores to host this congress is an unequivocal recognition of the quality, authenticity and uniqueness of our destination, as well as the close and strategic relationship we maintain with the German market,” she emphasised.

“Remarkable journey”

The regional secretary also alluded to the “remarkable journey” of Azorean tourism in recent years, highlighting that, “despite international challenges, the Azores were the first region in the country to fully recover from the impact of the [Covid-19] pandemic, surpassing the results of 2019 and winning prestigious international distinctions, such as Best Adventure Destination in the World and Europe, awarded by the World Travel Awards.”

In 2025, for the first time in history, the Azores “exceeded 4.5 million overnight stays, with regional hotels exceeding €206 million in revenue,” she added.

Engine of the regional economy

“Tourism is today the main engine of the regional economy, with a direct and transversal impact, representing about 17% of GDP [Gross Domestic Product], 17% of employment and 20% of Gross Added Value,” she highlighted.

However, “more than growing,” the Azores want to “grow well,” since their “commitment is to responsible, balanced and sustainable tourism.”

Sustainable destination

Berta Cabral also recalled that the Azores achieved Level II - Gold of the international Sustainable Destination certification, granted by EarthCheck, a recognition that reflects “a vision of development that respects the territory, the communities and the way of life, protecting what makes the Azores unique: human nature.”

The governor also highlighted the partnership with the German market in strengthening air connectivity, emphasising that the direct connections operated by Lufthansa, Eurowings, and Azores Airlines, linking Ponta Delgada to Frankfurt and Nuremberg, are "fundamental for the growth of the destination and a clear sign of confidence in the potential and quality of tourism in the Azores."